How does HPV Vaccination work?
The HPV vaccine does not contain any genetic material of the human papillomavirus, instead, the HPV vaccine is produced using a protein that is present on the surface of the virus. Once the protein is grown, it will resemble the appearance of the virus, therefore, when the vaccine is introduced into the body, the body will create antibodies in response to it.
If you get exposed to the virus after being vaccinated, your body will remember the appearance of the virus (due to the vaccine), and create additional antibodies which bind to the surface of the human papillomavirus, preventing it from infecting any cells.
In Singapore, there are two types of HPV vaccines, these are:
- Cervavix or HPV 2: provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18 which are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers.
- Gardasil or HPV 9: provides protection against 9 HPV strains which are responsible for 90% of all cervical cancers.
How many treatment sessions are needed?
Depending on the vaccine chosen, multiple doses are required.
Cervavix or HPV 2
- Below the age of 15: two doses, 5-13 months apart.
- Above the age of 15: three doses, with the second dose 1 to 2.5 months after the first dose. Third dose should be given 5 to 12 months after the first dose.
Gardasil or HPV 9
- Below the age of 15: two doses, 6 months apart.
- Above the age of 15: three doses, with the second dose 2 months after the first dose. Third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose.